The Deseret News Names Joseph Walker as Faith Section Editor

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Deseret News, Utah's oldest continually published daily newspaper, today announced that Joseph Walker has returned to the Deseret News as the faith section editor. Walker originally joined the Deseret News in 1980, where he reported for the Church News and served as the newspaper's television critic.

In his new position, Walker will work with Opinion Editor Paul Edwards to cover the vital role of faith in the community. His coverage will highlight how faith is lived and manifest from a variety of religious traditions. Areas of emphasis will include faith in the public square, interfaith cooperation, and the motivational role of faith in our society. Separate from his role in the faith section, Walker will also be responsible for reporting on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Walker succeeds Scott Taylor, who is serving a three-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Phoenix, Arizona. Taylor has been with the Deseret News since 1984 as a writer and editor on the sports and city desks and for the Church News.

"We welcome Joseph back to the Deseret News and feel his professional background and experiences are a tremendous asset to the faith section of our newspaper," said Clark Gilbert, President and CEO of the Deseret News. "Joe brings exemplary credentials and is deeply committed to our strategic vision. We also recognize the many accomplishments of Scott Taylor, whose commitment and influence will be missed as he embarks on his next challenge."  

Walker began his professional writing career at the Deseret News and has since held numerous public relations positions, including three years with the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1990, Walker launched ValueSpeak, a weekly syndicated column that examines contemporary issues from a traditional values perspective and appears in 30 newspapers around the country and a number of online publications. He is also the author of three books. In addition, Walker spent a short period of time at the newspaper from 2007 to 2008 to help create the Mormon Times product before he returned to public relations.

"I am incredibly excited to take on this new position at the place where my writing career originated," said Walker. "The Deseret News brings a unique and recognizable voice to the marketplace that I have appreciated, and I hope the insight from my additional assignments will enhance my ability to serve the readers."

Walker can be contacted at [email protected]. For more information about the Deseret News, please visit www.deseretnews.com, or contact Ashley Murray at [email protected] or 801-939-9351.

About the Deseret News

The Deseret News is Utah's oldest continually published daily newspaper. The publication is a trusted source of local and national news serving a growing global audience. Other publications of the Deseret News include the Church News, Mormon Times and El Observador. The Deseret News is a part of Deseret Media Companies.

SOURCE Deseret News